History Doctoral Degree Requirements

More complete information on graduate study in history may be found in the departmental statement, Graduate Program in History, available from the History Office. The University of Massachusetts/Five College Graduate Program in History offers doctoral work in three major areas of history: Europe, United States and Latin America. Each of these areas is divided into various fields.

Course Work
Four to eight courses in the 600-800 series, including two graduate research seminars, are generally required, the precise number depending on the field and background of the candidate.

Language Proficiency
Candidates must pass the departmental examination demonstrating reading ability in one foreign language. Students specializing in areas for which knowledge of more than one foreign language is usual for scholarly work must demonstrate reading proficiency in the relevant languages.

Preliminary Comprehensive Examination
Candidates must pass the general examination in three fields. Not more than two can be in the candidate’s area of specialization. With the approval of the major adviser and of the departmental Graduate Program Director, the candidate may offer one field in a department other than history.

Dissertation
A dissertation, based on original research and making an original contribution, is required for the fulfillment of the degree.

Residence
Minimum: full-time residence at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for one academic year.